§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, pursuant to the abolition of area health authorities, he will take steps to prevent them seeking to rush through controversial decisions;
(2) if he will ensure that the proposed closure of the Grove maternity hospital at Barton on Sea is not rushed through prior to the abolition of the area health authority and in defiance of local opinion.
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§ Dr. VaughanWhen considering changes to existing patterns of service, I expect area health authorities to be mindful of the proposals for changes in the structure of the National Health Service set out in "Patients First" which are at present subject to consultation and on which we shall announce a firm policy in the summer.
The long standing proposal to close Barton on Sea maternity home has now been taken to the formal consultation stage, and all interested bodies will have full opportunity to express their views. As my hon. Friend is aware, established procedures lay down that a closure proposal opposed by a community health council is referred to my right hon. Friend for a final decision. I have undertaken to keep in touch with him on this matter.